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The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is also known as the money plant thanks to its coin-shaped leaves. This evergreen succulent originated in Africa and has more than 300 varieties. People grow and appreciate jade as a houseplant because of its longevity, ease of care and attractiveness. It grows slowly and its tree-like appearance makes it a good plant for bonsai. Under some conditions, the jade plant can become spindly and bare. If this happens, there are steps you can take to make it look fuller and thicker.

1

Prune the jade plant just above one of the brown rings around a stem, called a leaf scar, with sharp pruning shears or a sharp knife. Two new stems will sprout at the pruning site, so select the stem to prune based on where you want the jade plant to be thicker and fuller. This pruning method works well for older jade plants that have grown leggy.

2

Pinch off the growing end of a stem between your thumb and forefinger to remove the growing tip. Two new stems will sprout from the pinch site. This pruning method is best for young jade plants or short stems in places you want to look thicker. Visualize how you want the plant to look in the future to choose the right spot.

3

Place the jade plant in full sun or in a bright southern-facing window where it receives at least four hours of sunlight each day. Keep temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime and between 50 and 55 F at night. Keep the plant out of drafts and its leaves away from the windowpane. Giving the jade plant these optimal conditions helps it grow fullest.

4

Plant jade plants in well-draining soil in a pot with drainage holes. Repot only every several years, if at all. Disturbing a jade plant by repotting can cause its growth to slow.

5

Water the jade plant in spring and summer often enough to keep the soil moist but never wet. In winter, let it dry between waterings. Water the soil only, not the plant's leaves. Providing sufficient, regulated water helps the plant grow thick naturally.

6

Fertilize your jade plant every three or four months with a soluble houseplant fertilizer to keep it as full as possible.

Things You Will Need

Pruning shears or knife

Pot with drainage holes

Potting soil

Fertilizer

Tip

Propagate pruned parts of the jade plant by inserting the cut ends directly into soil.

About the Author

Karren Doll Tolliver holds a Bachelor of English from Mississippi University for Women and a CELTA teaching certificate from Akcent Language School in Prague. Also a photographer, she records adventures by camera, combining photos with journals in her blogs. Her latest book, "A Travel for Taste: Germany," was published in 2015.